Bypass valve

ABSTRACT

A control valve usable as a bypass/diverter valve for controlling the flow of fluid from a source to a fluid treatment device or other water handling appliance, such as a water softener. The valve has a housing that includes first and second inlet/outlet fittings and first and second fluid transfer fittings and defines a valve chamber in fluid communication with the fittings. A valve member having a valuing portion is rotatably received within the valve chamber. The valuing portion includes a circular base and a disc member spaced above the circular base with a diametral wall extending therebetween which, together define a first fluid flow path through the valve when the valuing portion is in predetermined positions within the valve chamber. The valve chamber includes a wall opening that communicates with a region of the valve chamber above the disc member. The disc member includes an apertured portion for communicating the region of the valve chamber above the disc member with a valuing member region defined between the disc member and a base, such that a second flow path is established by the valuing member region, the disc member apertures, the valve chamber region above the disc member and the wall opening in the valve chamber. The second flow path is isolated from the first flow path. A movement control member in cooperation with a moveable stop pin establishes four different ranges of motion for the valuing member in order to establish four different flow configurations for the control valve.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates generally to fluid control valves and inparticular to a by-pass or diverter valve.

BACKGROUND ART

By-pass valves also termed diverter valves are often used in plumbingsystems to control the communication of fluid to a plumbing fixture orfluid processing device. For example, in the case of a water softener,it has been known to use a valving assembly to control the communicationof source water to the water softener as well as provide a diversionpath for the incoming water so that the water supply to the household isnot interrupted during service of the water softener.

Known prior devices have been complex and/or expensive. Some haveincluded multiple valves, manifolds and complex conduits in order toachieve the desired control.

Another problem associated with the installation of a plumbing fixtureor fluid treatment device that includes an inlet and an outlet, such asa water softener or hot water tank, is a mismatch that often occursbetween the inlet and outlet of the device and the source and the watersupply pipes forming part of the plumbing system. In instances wherehousehold plumbing connections do not match the plumbing fixtureconnections, installers are required to devise awkward, cross-overconnections in order to couple the household plumbing to the fixture. Ininstances where the fixture is being installed in a limited space, theinstallation can be extremely difficult and expensive.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,972,877 illustrates an existing bypass valve that hashad commercial success. There has arisen a need for an improved bypassvalve that has additional flexibility and a greater flow capacity.

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides a new and improved by-pass or divertervalve that not only controls the communication of fluid to a plumbingfixture or other fluid treatment device but also provides conduitstructure for providing connections to the fluid or plumbing system thatare more easily adaptable to the position and location of the source andsupply conduits of the system.

The present invention will be described in connection with a watertreatment system and in particular, a water softener system which isnormally serially connected in a fluid stream so that under normaloperating conditions source water to be treated enters an inlet to thewater softener and is discharged through an outlet of the water softenerfor delivery to a water supply. It should be understood that the presentinvention is adaptable to fluid systems in general in which a fluidtreatment device or other appliance must occasionally be isolated froman inlet fluid stream.

In the preferred and illustrated embodiment, the valve includes ahousing with four ports and a valve spool having a valving memberportion for selectively communicating the ports in predeterminedconfigurations. The housing defines a fluid chamber into which all ofthe ports communicate. The valving member is moveable within thechamber, to several predetermined positions and defines a flow passagesegment that establishes a first flow path. When the valving member ismoved to predetermined positions, the passage segment cross communicatescertain of the four ports in predetermined configurations depending onthe selected position. A control disc and stop member constructed inaccordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention, determine therange of movement and the extreme rotative positions for the spool. Thecontrol disc is positionable in one of two positions and the stop membercan also be positioned in one of two positions. With the disclosedconstruction, the control valve can be easily adapted to any one of fourdifferent flow configurations.

In the preferred and illustrated embodiment, two of the ports functionas first and second inlet/outlet ports, each of which directly orindirectly communicates with the valve chamber. The other two ports formfirst and second intermediate or fluid transfer ports that alsocommunicate, directly or indirectly with the valve chamber. The valvingmember defines flow control structures, such that in one of itspositions, within the chamber, it cross-communicates the first andsecond inlet/outlet ports, and in a second position itcross-communicates one of the inlet/outlet ports with one of thetransfer ports and communicates the other inlet/outlet port with theother intermediate port and in a third position, the valving memberblocks flow through the valve chamber.

In the preferred and illustrated embodiment, the valve chamber iscylindrical and includes a cylindrical side wall and an end wall. Aremovable cover member encloses the chamber. According to thisembodiment, the valving member includes a circular base, an axiallyspaced disc member and a diametral wall extending between the discmember and the base. A portion of the disc member defines a surfacespaced from, but in confronting relationship with, a base surfacedefined by the base, such that the base surface and the disc memberconfronting surface together with the diametral wall define the flowpassage segment. The disc member also defines openings for communicatinga valve chamber region outside the valving member portion with a regiondefined between the disc member and the base. The valve chamber includesan opening for communicating the valve chamber region with one of thetransfer ports. With this configuration, the region defined between thedisc member and the base, the disc member apertures, the valve chamberregion outside the valving member and the valve chamber openingestablish a second fluid flow path that is isolated from the first flowpath.

According to a feature of the invention, one of the inlet/outlet portscommunicates with the valve chamber through an intermediate chamber.This configuration facilitates molding of the valve. In the preferredand illustrated embodiment, one of the intermediate or transfer portscommunicates indirectly with the valve chamber through a transferchamber.

According to still another feature of the invention, the inlet/outletports and intermediate ports are all associated with and communicatethrough fittings forming part of the control valve. The fittings areconstructed to receive or attach to fluid conduits at the installationsite.

According to a feature of the preferred embodiment, the end wall of thevalve chamber defines a bearing for receiving shaft structure formed onthe valving member. According to this feature, the cover memberrotatably supports a stem portion of the valve spool so that the valvespool is rotatably held within the valve chamber and lateral movementbetween the valving member portion and the valve chamber is inhibited.

With the disclosed construction, the control valve can be configuredsuch that either inlet/outlet port can be connected to the source offluid while the other of the inlet/outlet ports is connected to a fluidsupply system, i.e., a household water distribution supply. Either ofthe intermediate or transfer ports can be easily configured to serve asan inlet to the fluid treatment device or other appliance, while theother intermediate ports receives fluid from the fluid treatment deviceor other appliance. By appropriate positioning of the movement controlmember and the stop member, the control valve can be configured in anyone of four different fluid flow configurations and thus simplify theplumbing connections between the fluid supply and fluid treatment orother fluid handling device.

Additional features of the invention will become apparent and a fullunderstanding obtained by reading the following detailed descriptionmade in connection with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an exploded view of a bypass/diverter valve constructed inaccordance with the preferred embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a valve body forming part of thebypass/diverter valve shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a valve spool forming part of thebypass/diverter valve shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a top plan view of the valve spool shown in FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is another perspective view of the valve spool shown in FIG. 3;

FIG. 6 is a schematic representation of the bypass/diverter valveshowing the flow paths established by the bypass/diverter valve for onepredetermined position of the valve spool;

FIG. 6A is a fragmentary, schematic view of the bypass/diverter valveshown in FIG. 6 illustrating the positioning and orientation of acontrol disc and associated stop pin forming part of the invention;

FIG. 7 is another schematic representation of the flow paths establishedby the bypass/diverter valve with the valve spool rotated to an OFFposition;

FIG. 7A is a fragmentary, schematic view of the bypass/diverter valveshown in FIG. 7 illustrating the positioning and orientation of acontrol disc and associated stop pin forming part of the invention;

FIG. 8 is a schematic representation showing a bypass flow pathestablished by the bypass/diverter valve with the valve spool rotated toa BYPASS position; and,

FIG. 8A is a fragmentary, schematic view of the bypass/diverter valveshown in FIG. 8 illustrating the positioning and orientation of acontrol disc and associated stop pin forming part of the invention;

FIGS. 9A and 9B illustrate the overall construction of a control discforming part of the present invention;

FIG. 10 is a top plan view of the bypass/diverter valve with portionsremoved in order to illustrate a recess in which the control disc shownin FIG. 9 is installed;

FIGS. 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18 and 19 are schematicrepresentations of the bypass/diverter valve showing the flow pathsestablished by the bypass/diverter valve for various positions of avalve spool, control disc and stop pin forming part of the presentinvention; and,

FIGS. 11A, 12A, 13A, 14A, 15A, 16A, 17A, 18A and 19A are fragmentary,schematic views of the bypass/diverter valve shown in FIGS. 11, 12, 13,14, 15, 16, 17, 18 and 19, respectively, and illustrate the positioningand orientation of a control disc and associated stop pin forming partof the invention.

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

FIG. 1 illustrates an exploded view of a bypass/diverter valveconstructed in accordance with the preferred embodiment of theinvention. The valve includes a main valve housing indicated generallyby the reference character 10, a rotatable valve spool 12 that iscaptured within the main housing by a cap 14 held to the housing by aplurality of bolts 18 (only one is shown). An O-ring like seal 20 sealsthe interface between the main housing 10 and the cap 14. An operatingstem 12 a of the valve spool 12 extends through an aperture 22 in thecap 14 and is engageable with a movement control disc 24 and anoperating handle 26. The movement control disc sits within a recess 27defined by the cap 14 and is maintained in position by a control disccover 28 that includes a window 28 a.

Referring also to FIG. 2, the main housing 10 includes four fittings 40,42, 44, 46 by which fluid connections are made to the valve. In theillustrated embodiment, the fittings 40, 42 are female fittings, whereasthe fittings 44, 46 are male fittings. It should be understood, however,that the fittings themselves may take various forms and all fittings maybe of the same or different types. The fittings may also be of thethreaded or compression type.

The fittings 40, 42 are intended to be connected to fluid supply andfluid receiving lines of a water distribution system, such as ahousehold water supply system.

The fittings 44, 46 are intended to be connected to a water treatmentsystem, such as a residential water softener. For purposes ofexplanation, the disclosed bypass/diverter valve will be discussed inconnection with a residential water softener system that is used tosoften incoming water and deliver it to the household water supply. Innormal use, the bypass valve delivers incoming water to the watersoftener. After passing through the water softener the water returns tothe bypass/diverter valve and is delivered to the household watersupply. When desired however, such as during water softener maintenance,the spool is rotated by the handle to position it in a “bypass” positionwhich causes incoming water received by the bypass valve to be delivereddirectly to the household water supply thus isolating the water softener(or other treatment device) from the incoming untreated water and thehousehold water supply system.

The disclosed bypass/diverter valve bears some resemblance to the bypassvalve disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,972,877 which is hereby incorporatedby reference. The disclosed valve however includes substantialenhancements and, as a result, has much more flexibility. In particular,unlike the bypass valve of the above referenced patent, the disclosedbypass valve can be configured so that the fitting 40 is connected tothe incoming water conduit and the fitting 42 is connected to thehousehold water supply or vice versa. Similarly, the fittings 44, 46 canserve as the inlet and outlet, respectively to the water treatmentdevice or vice versa.

In the preferred illustrated embodiment, the fittings 40, 42, 44, 46 areintegrally molded with the valve housing 10. The valve housing 10defines a spool chamber 50 within which the valve spool 12 is rotatablysupported. The valve housing 10 also defines an intermediate chamber 52and a transfer chamber 54. The fittings 40, 42, 44, 46 communicatedirectly or indirectly with the spool chamber 50. The spool chamber isdefined at least partially by uniform circular wall 50 a and a base orend wall 50 b that closes off one radial side of the circular wall 50 a.The other radial side of the chamber 50 is closed off and defined by theremovable cap 14.

As indicated above, the spool 12 rotatably rotates within the spoolchamber 50. To facilitate rotation and to inhibit relative lateralmovement between the bottom of the spool and the end wall 50 b, thespool includes a stub shaft extending downwardly from the base of thespool (not shown). The stub shaft is received and rotatably supported bya bearing 55 forming part of the end wall 50 b. With the stub shaft ofthe spool 12 engaged in the bearing 55, lateral movement of the spool 12due to water pressure applied to portions of the spool 12 during itsoperation, is inhibited.

Referring to both FIGS. 1 and 2, the fitting 40 defines an internalpassage that communicates with the spool chamber 50 through a port 70which opens into the circular wall 50 a. A screen or grating 70 a may beinstalled in the port 70 to inhibit the ingress of solid contaminantsinto the spool chamber 50. The fitting 44 also defines an internalpassage which communicates with the spool chamber through a port or hole72 (indicated in phantom in FIG. 2) also formed in the wall. The fitting42 which is preferably similar in configuration to the fitting 40communicates indirectly with the spool chamber by means of theintermediate chamber 52 integrally formed in the housing. In particular,the fluid passage defined by the fitting 42 communicates with theintermediate chamber 52 through a port or a hole 76 in the intermediatechamber 52 which in turn communicates with the spool chamber 50 througha hole or port 78 formed in the circular wall 50 a. It should be notedhere that the intermediate chamber 52 facilitates the fluidcommunication of the fitting 42 with the spool chamber and the moldingthereof. It is possible to eliminate the intermediate chamber 52 andhave the fitting 42 communicate directly with the spool chamber.

The fitting 46 communicates indirectly with the valve spool chamber 50by means of the transfer chamber 54. In particular, the fitting 46defines an internal bore that communicates with the transfer chamber bymeans of a hole or port 80 (shown in phantom in FIG. 2). The transferchamber 54 in turn communicates with the spool chamber 50 by way of aclearance gap 86 at least partially defined by the circular wall 50 a.In the preferred embodiment, a portion of the gap 86 is also defined bystructure in the cap 14.

As indicated above, the valve spool 12 is rotatably supported within thespool chamber 50. With the cap 14 installed, the spool 12 controls thefluid communication between the ports 70, 72, 78 formed in thecylindrical wall 50 a and the gap 86 and thus controls the fluidcommunication between the fittings 40, 42, 44, 46 and hence the conduits(not shown) to which the fittings are connected to.

FIGS. 3-5 illustrate the construction of the spool 12. The spoolincludes a valving portion 12 b which is generally cylindrical in shape.As indicated above, the valving portion 12 b is received by androtatable within the spool chamber 50. The valving portion 12 b isdefined by an annular base 100, the bottom surface of which confrontsthe end wall 50 b of the spool chamber 50. Spaced above the base 100, apredetermined distance, is a disc-like member 102. The spacing betweenthe base 100 and the member 102 is chosen such that when the spool 12 isinstalled in the spool chamber 50, an upper surface 102 a of the discmember 102 lies below the lower edge of the gap 86 defined by the valvebody 10.

A vertical, diametral wall 110 extends between the base 100 and discmember 102. The diametral wall 110 divides the gap defined between thebase 100 and disc member 102 into isolated flow paths when the spool 12is installed in the valve. In particular, an isolated flow passageindicated generally by the referenced character 120 is defined by a basesurface 100 a, a side wall surface 110 a and a disc under surface 102 b(see FIG. 5). When the spool 12 is installed in the chamber 50, thepassage 120 defined by the surfaces 100 a, 110 b and 102 b is operativeto cross communicate the various ports defined by the valve body 10depending on the rotative position of the spool member 12, as will beexplained. A support stanchion 122 extends between the base 100 and discmember 102 and provides additional peripheral support to inhibitrelative movement or bending of portions of the base 100 and disc member102 due to fluid forces exerted on the components during use.

The portion of the spool 12 opposite to the portion that defines thepassage 120 also defines a flow path, isolated from the passage 120 whenthe spool 12 is installed in the valve body. As seen best in FIGS. 3 and5, the disc member 102 includes radial openings 130, 131, 132, 133. Theopenings are located between radial spokes 134 that extend from acentral hub 138 and join and support a ring segment 140. Additionalsupport for the ring segment 140 is provided by a short, vertical wall142 which extends upwardly from the base 102 and joins the ring segment140 at a spoke 134 a. The vertical diametral wall 110 and auxiliarysupport wall 142 define fluid compartments or regions 146 a, 146 bwhich, depending on the rotative position of the spool 12, can be madeto communicate with predetermined ports defined by the circular wall 50a. As should be apparent, water flowing into the region 146 a can travelup through the radial openings 130, 131 and flow across the top surface102 a of the disc 102. Similarly, fluid entering the region 146 b canflow up through the spokes 132, 133 and flow across the top surface 102a of the spool member. The fluid flowing across the top surface 102 acan flow into an adjacent compartment or through the gap 86.

The valving portion 12 b mounts a peripheral seal. The seal may comprisea molded unitary element or may comprise one or more individual sealportions. In the illustrated embodiment, an O-Ring like portion 150 a isdisposed around the periphery of the disc member 102. The portion 150 ais carried in a groove 152 defined by the disc member 102. An O-Ringlike portion 150 b surrounds the periphery of the base 100 and isreceived in a groove 154 defined by the base 100. Vertical seal segments150 c (only one is shown) are carried by grooves 156 defined along theoutside vertical edges of the vertical wall 110. The seal portions 150a, 150 b, 150 c sealingly engage the cylindrical wall surface 50 b ofthe chamber 50 and serve to isolate the fluid passage 120 from the restof the spool structure.

The seal portion 150 a, 150 b, 150 c may form part of a unitary, sealthat is mounted to the appropriate portions of the spool 12 duringmanufacture. The seal portions may also comprise separate sealingsegments that are installed onto the spool using known methods. The sealportions may also be directly molded onto the spool valving portion 12 bduring manufacture of the spool 12 using well known “overmolding”techniques. Other arrangements for the seal 150 are also contemplated bythe invention, and this invention should not be limited to any one typeof seal construction.

The position of the spool 12 within the spool chamber 50 determines thecommunication between the fittings 40, 42, 44, 46. FIG. 6 illustratesthe fluid relationships between the fittings when the spool 12 ispositioned as illustrated. In particular, the spool 12 is oriented suchthat the vertical wall 110 is parallel to an axis 162 of the fitting 40and with the flow passage 120 defined by the valving portion 12 apositioned to the left of a rotational axis 164 of the spool member 12.In this position of the spool 12, incoming water to be treated entersthe fitting 40, travels through the port 70 (see FIG. 1), through thepassage 120 defined by the spool 12 and into the fitting 44 by way ofthe port 72 (see FIG. 2). As indicated above, the bypass valve isintended to be used with a water treatment device, such as a watersoftener. When used for such an application, the fitting 44 would beconnected to the input of the water treatment device, i.e., watersoftener. The treated water leaving the water treatment device isconnected to the fitting 46. As seen in FIG. 6, with the spool 12 shownin the illustrated position, the treated water delivered to the fitting46 travels through the transfer chamber 54, then through the gap 86 andonto the top surface 102 a of the disc member 102. From there thetreated water flows down through the radial openings, i.e., 130, 131,132, 133 and into the regions 146 a, 146 b where it can then enter theintermediate chamber 52 via the port 78 (see FIG. 2). From theintermediate chamber 52, the treated water can then flow into thefitting 42 via opening or port 76 (see FIG. 2).

FIG. 7 illustrates the flow characteristics of the bypass valve when thespool member 12 is rotated approximately 60°, clockwise, from theposition shown in FIG. 6. In this position, the passage 120 defined bythe spool member 12 is positioned such that it does not communicate witheither the intermediate chamber port 78 or the wall port 72 (thatcommunicates with the fitting 44). It only communicates with the port 70(see FIG. 2) associated with the fitting 40. As a result, flow isblocked to all other fittings and, in effect, the bypass valve is in an“OFF” configuration where the flow of incoming water is blocked from allother fittings. An arrow 75, molded in the cover 14 facilitatespositioning of the spool. Indicia carried by the control disk 24 andvisible through the window 28 a of the cap 28 and aligned with the arrow75 may be used to indicate the rotative position of the spool 12 to theuser.

FIG. 8 illustrates a “bypass” flow position. To place the valve in a“bypass” mode, the spool 12 is rotated approximately 120° from theposition shown in FIG. 6. As seen in FIG. 8, in this position the flowpassage 120 defined by the valving portion 12 b concurrentlycommunicates with the port 70 and 78 defined by the circular wallsegment 50 b (shown in FIG. 2). As a result of this cross communication,incoming water delivered to the fitting 40 can travel through the port70, through the fluid passage 120 and into the intermediate chamber 52via the port 78. From the intermediate chamber 52, the water can flowdirectly into the fitting 42 which, as indicated above, may be connectedto household water supply. In this position of the spool 12, the watertreatment device, i.e., water softener, connected to the fittings 44, 46is isolated from both the incoming water and the household water supply.With the bypass valve in the position shown in FIG. 8, the watertreatment device may be serviced, disconnected, etc. withoutinterrupting the flow of water (albeit untreated) into the householdwater system.

The limits of rotation for the spool 12, as shown in FIGS. 6, 7 and 8,are determined by the control disc 24 (see FIG. 1) in cooperation with amovable stop pin 130 (also shown in FIG. 1). FIGS. 9A and 9B illustratethe construction of the control disc 24. The disc 24 is preferablymolded and includes wall-like structures 24 a, 24 b. Portions of thewall structures 24 a, 24 b serve as stops that are engageable with thestop pin 170 to inhibit rotation and, thus, set the limits of rotationfor the spool 12. The structures 24 a, 24 b are located on oppositesides of a central, planar portion 24 c.

The control disc 24 includes a central aperture 134 which is engageablewith the stem 12 a of the spool 12, as shown in FIG. 1. Referring alsoto FIG. 1, the initial position of the control disc 24 and whether thestructure 24 a or the structure 24 b is located in a confrontingorientation with respect to the stop pin 130 is determined by thedesired flow configuration for the valve. Referring also to FIG. 10, thecover 14 includes spaced apart apertures labeled “A” and “B.” The stoppin 170 is inserted into one of these apertures, but not both. Theposition of the stop pin 170 in one of the apertures “A” or “B” and theposition of the control disc 24, i.e. whether the side 24 a or the side24 b is pointed downwardly (as viewed in FIG. 1) determines the range ofmotion and initial positioning of the spool 12 and, hence, therelationship between the ports 40, 42, 44, 46.

With the disc 24 being reversible so that either the wall structure 24 aor the wall structure 24 b can be positioned toward the bottom of therecess 27 (defined by the cover 14) in combination with the two possiblepositions for the stop pin 130 allow the bypass valve to be configuredinto four different flow configurations.

In particular, in one configuration, the fitting 40 communicates withthe fitting 44 and the fitting 42 communicates with the fitting 46 whenthe bypass valve is in a “service” position.

In another configuration, the fitting 40 communicates with the fitting46 and the fitting 44 communicates with the fitting 42 when the bypassvalve is in a service position.

In a third configuration, the fitting 42 is connected to the source ofwater to be treated and communicates with the fitting 44 when the bypassvalve is in the service position. When in this configuration, thefitting 46 communicates with the fitting 40 and defines a flow paththrough which treated water is delivered to the household supply.

In a fourth configuration, the fitting 42 is connected to a source ofwater to be treated and communicates with the fitting 46 when in theservice position. In this configuration, the fitting 44 is connected tothe output side of the water treatment device and communicates with thefitting 40, which is connected to the household water supply, when thebypass valve is in the service position. With the present invention, thedisclosed bypass valve can be configured to operate with any combinationof plumbing connections at the installation site. This is accomplishedwith a single, two-sided control disc 24, rather than requiringspecialized control discs which must be changed in order to reconfigurethe bypass valve.

Referring now to FIG. 6A, the relationship between the control disc 24and, in particular, the wall structure 24 b and the stop pin 170 isshown for the fluid configuration illustrated in FIG. 6. As seen in FIG.6A, the service position is determined by the engagement between thestop pin 170 and a stop portion 172 of the structure 24 b.

FIGS. 7 and 7A illustrate an OFF position for the valve configurationshown in FIG. 6. As seen in FIG. 7A, in the OFF position, no portion ofthe wall structure 24 b engages the stop pin 132 and, in effect, is inan intermediate position, i.e., is somewhat centered with respect to thestop pin 170.

Referring to FIGS. 8 and 8A, the bypass valve is placed in a “bypass”mode by rotating the spool 12 in the clockwise direction (as viewed inFIG. 8A) until a stop portion 174 of the wall structure 24 b engages thestop pin 170.

FIGS. 11-13 illustrate another fluid configuration that the bypass valvemay be operated in. In this configuration, the fitting 42 is connectedto the supply of untreated water, whereas the fitting 40 is connectedto, and delivers treated water to, the household water supply. Thefitting 46 is connected to the input side of the water treatment device(not shown) and the fitting 44 is connected to the output of the watertreatment device and, hence, receives treated water. In thisconfiguration, the control disc 24 is positioned such that the structure24 b is pointed downwardly (as viewed in FIG. 1) and is engageable withthe stop pin 132. However, in this configuration, the stop pin is placedin the “B” aperture. In addition, the initial position of the spool 12is 180° different from that shown in FIG. 7.

With the stop pin 172, the control disc 24 and spool 12 positioned asshown in FIG. 11, the bypass valve is in a “bypass” mode. In thisposition, the spool 12 has been rotated counterclockwise until a stopportion 176 of the wall structure 24 b has engaged the stop pin 170,thus inhibiting further movement. In this position, untreated water fromthe fitting 42 can travel directly to the fitting 40 via the chamber 52and the passage 120 defined by the spool valve 12.

FIGS. 12 and 12A illustrate the position of the spool when the bypassvalve is placed in a OFF position. As seen in these Figures, the spool12 is rotated to an intermediate position, a position where thestructure 24 b does not engage the stop pin 170. Untreated water at thefitting 42 is blocked from flowing through any other portion of thevalve because the passage 120 defined by the spool 12 is not incommunication with any other passage in the bypass valve. (The chamber54 can only communicate with the spool chamber 50 via the gap 86; thegap 86 does not communicate with the spool passage 120)

FIGS. 13 and 13A show the positioning of the pertinent components whenthe bypass valve is placed in a service position. As seen in FIG. 13A,the spool 12 is rotated in the clockwise direction until a stop portion180 of the wall structure 24 b abuts the stop pin 170, inhibitingfurther rotation. In this position, and as seen in FIG. 13, the spool 12allows communication between the port 44 (which is connected to theoutput of the water treatment device) with the port 40 (which isconnected to the household water supply) by way of the passage 120defined by the spool 12. As also seen in FIG. 13, water to be treated isreceived in the port 42 and travels to the chamber 52 and then into thespool chamber by way of the port 78 (see FIG. 2). The water to betreated then flows through the openings 132, 133 in the spool 12 andthen into the fitting 46 by way of the gap 86 and the chamber 54.

FIGS. 14-16 illustrate a third configuration for the bypass valve. Inthis configuration, the fitting 42 is connected to the source ofuntreated water and the fitting 40 is connected to the household watersupply. The fitting 44 is connected to the input of the water treatmentdevice and the fitting 46 is connected to the output of the watertreatment device. In this configuration, the control disc 24 is orientedsuch that the wall structure 24 a is positioned downwardly (as viewed inFIG. 1) and is thus engageable with the stop in 170.

FIG. 14 illustrates the “service” position of the bypass valve when inthis configuration. As seen in FIG. 14A, the stop pin 170 is placed inthe “B” aperture. In the service position, the spool 12 is rotatedclockwise until a stop portion 182 of the wall structure 24 a engagesthe stop pin 170 inhibiting further rotation of the spool 12. In thisposition, water to be treated from the fitting 42 travels into thechamber 52, through the port 78 (see FIG. 2) and into the passage 120defined by the spool 12. The water to be treated then travels into thefitting 44 by way of the port 72 (shown in FIG. 2). Treated water isdelivered to the port 46 by the water treatment device (not shown). Fromthere the treated water travels into the chamber 54, through the gap 86and over the top surface 102 (FIG. 3) of the spool 12. From there thetreated water can flow through the openings 130, 131, 132, 133 definedby the spool 12 and then into the fitting 40 by way of the port 70 (seeFIG. 2) formed in the chamber wall 50 a.

FIGS. 15 and 15A illustrate the “bypass” mode for this configuration forthe bypass valve. In this mode, the spool 12 is rotated counterclockwiseuntil a predetermined stop portion 182 of the wall structure 24 aengages the stop pin 170, thus inhibiting further rotation. In thisposition, and as seen best in FIG. 15, untreated water is received inthe fitting 42 and travels into the chamber 52 by way of the port 76(see FIG. 2). From there the water travels through the port 78 and intothe passage 120 defined by the spool valve 12. From there is travelsinto the fitting 40 via the port 70 (see FIG. 2).

FIGS. 16 and 16A illustrates the position of the spool 12 when thebypass valve is in the OFF position. In this mode, the spool 12 isrotated to an intermediate position, a position at which the stop pin170 is not engaged by the stop portions 182, 184 of the wall structure24 a (an intermediate position). In this intermediate position,untreated water is conveyed to the passage 120 defined by the spool 12,but in this position, the passage does not communicate with any otherportion of the valve and, hence, the flow of untreated water into theother fittings is blocked.

FIGS. 17-19 illustrate a fourth configuration for the bypass valve. Inthis configuration, the fitting 40 is connected to a source of untreatedwater and is communicated with the fitting 46 when the bypass valve isplaced in a “service” position. In the “service” mode of this valveconfiguration, the fitting 46 communicates with the input to the watertreatment device. The fitting 44 is connected to the output of the watertreatment device (not shown) and delivers treated water to the fitting42 which is connected to the household water supply.

In this mode of operation, the stop pin 170 is placed in the “A”aperture. When the valve is to be placed in the “service” mode, thespool 12 is rotated counterclockwise until a stop portion 186 of thewall structure 24 a engages the stop pin 170 thus, inhibiting furtherrotation. In this position of the spool 12 (as seen in FIG. 17),untreated water received in the fitting 40 travels through the aperture70 (see FIG. 2), through the radial openings 132, 133 in the spool valve12 and into the auxiliary chamber 54 by way of the gap 86. From therethe water travels into the fitting 46 and is thus delivered to the inputof the water treatment device. Treated water received in the fitting 44travels through the port 72 (see FIG. 2) and into the passage 120defined by the spool 12. From there it enters the chamber 52 via theport 78 and then travels to the fitting 42 (which is connected to thehousehold water supply).

FIGS. 18 and 18A illustrate the bypass position for the bypass valvewhen in this configuration. The spool 12 is rotated in the clockwisedirection until a predetermined stop portion 188 of the wall structure24 a engages the stop pin 170, thus inhibiting further rotation. In thisposition, untreated water at the fitting 40 travels through the port 70(FIG. 2) and into the spool passage 120. From there it travels into thechamber 52 via the port 78 (FIG. 2) and then to the fitting 42 via theport 76 FIG. 2).

FIGS. 19 and 19A illustrate the OFF position for this configuration ofthe bypass valve. In this mode, the spool 12 is rotated to anintermediate position, i.e., a position where the stop pin 170 is notengaged by either stop portions 186, 188 of the wall structure 24 a. Asseen in FIG. 19, with the spool 12 in this position, untreated water atthe fitting 40 can travel to the spool passage 120 (via the port 70, seeFIG. 2), but is prevented from traveling to any other portion of thevalve since the passage 120 is out of communication with all other portsor portions of the valve.

Although the invention has been described with a certain degree ofparticularity, it should be understood that those skilled in the art canmake various changes to it without departing from the spirit or scope ofthe invention as hereinafter claimed.

1. A control valve, comprising: a) a housing defining a valve chamber;b) a valving member disposed within said chamber and mounted forrotative movement between predetermined positions; c) first and secondinlet/outlet ports communicating with said chamber; d) first and secondintermediate ports communicating with said chamber; e) said valvingmember defining flow control structure such that in one of its positionsit cross communicates said first and second inlet/outlet ports, in asecond position it cross communicates said one inlet/outlet port withone of said intermediate ports and communicates the other inlet/outletport with the other intermediate port and in a third position it blocksflow through said chamber; f) movement control member for controlling arange of rotation for said valving member; and, g) changeable stopmember cooperating with said movement control member for limitingmovement in said valving member between predetermined positions.
 2. Thecontrol valve of claim 1 wherein said movement control member can beinstalled in one of two positions, such that in one position saidmovement control member, in cooperation with said changeable stopmember, limits movement of said valving member between saidpredetermined positions and in said other position, said movementcontrol member in cooperation with said stop member limits movement ofsaid valving member between other predetermined positions.
 3. Thecontrol valve of claim 1 wherein said valving member includes a pair ofspaced apart disc-like members, a portion of one of said disc-likemembers including apertures which allow fluid flow above and below saidone disc-like member.
 4. The control valve of claim 1 wherein saidhousing includes: a) first and second inlet/outlet fittingscommunicating with said first and second inlet/outlet ports,respectively; and, b) first and second intermediate fittingscommunicating and said first and second intermediate ports,respectively.
 5. The control valve of claim 4 wherein said housing andsaid fittings are integrally molded.
 6. A bypass/diverter valve forcontrolling the communication of a fluid supply to and from a fluidtreatment device, comprising: a) a valve housing including a pair ofinlet/outlet ports, one of said inlet/outlet ports connectable to asource of fluid to be treated, the other of said inlet/outlet ports fordelivering treated fluid; b) said housing further including another pairof ports, one of said ports of said second pair for delivering fluid tobe treated to a water treatment device, the other port of said secondpair for receiving treated fluid from said treatment device; c) saidhousing defining a cylindrical valve chamber including a cylindricalside wall and an end wall; d) a cover member for enclosing said chamber;e) a valve spool, at least a portion of which is mounted for rotationwithin said valve chamber; f) said valve spool including a circularbase, an axially spaced disc-like member and a diametral wall extendingbetween said disc-like member and said base; g) a portion of saiddisc-like member defining a surface spaced from, but in a confrontingrelationship with, a base surface defined by said base such that saidbase surface and said disc-like member confronting surface together withsaid diametral wall define a flow passage; h) said disc-like memberfurther defining openings for communicating a chamber region of saidvalve chamber adjacent said disc-like member with a spool region definedbetween said disc-like member and said base; and, i) said cylindricalwall defining an opening in fluid communication with said chamberregion, such that a flow path is established from said spool regionthrough said openings and into one of said intermediate ports, throughsaid wall opening, when said valve spool is in at least onepredetermined position.
 7. The bypass/diverter valve of claim 6 furtherincluding a movement control member coupled to said valve spool andcooperating with a moveable stop member to define the limits of rotativemovement of said valve spool.
 8. The bypass/diverter valve of claim 7wherein said movement control member can be coupled to said valve spoolin one of two positions and when coupled to said valve spool in theother of said two positions establishes different limits of movement forsaid valve spool.
 9. The bypass/diverter valve of claim 6 wherein saidvalve spool carries a seal that sealingly engages the cylindrical sidewall of said chamber.
 10. The apparatus of claim 6 wherein said chamberend wall includes bearing structure for receiving and rotatablysupporting a shaft structure defined by said valve spool, saidengagement of said shaft structure with said bearing structureinhibiting relative lateral movement between said valve spool and saidspool chamber.
 11. The bypass/diverter valve of claim 7 wherein saidstop member is positionable in one of two positions.
 12. Thebypass/diverter valve of claim 7 wherein said limits of rotativemovement for said valve spool determine at least partially which of saidinlet/outlet ports serves as an inlet and which of said inlet/outletports serves as an outlet.
 13. The bypass/diverter valve of claim 12wherein said the limits of movement for said valve spool determine, atleast partially, which of said ports of said other pair deliver fluid tobe treated to said treatment device and which of said ports of saidother pair receive treated fluid.
 14. The bypass/diverter valve of claim8 wherein said movement control member and said moveable stop membercooperate to provide four different limits of movement for said valvespool.
 15. The bypass/diverter valve of claim 6 wherein one of saidports of said other pair communicates with said wall opening through atransfer chamber.
 16. The bypass/diverter valve of claim 6 wherein saidvalve spool includes a radial wall extending outwardly from saiddiametral wall and connecting said base and said disc-like member. 17.The bypass/diverter valve of claim 6 wherein one of said inlet/outletports communicates with said valve chamber via an intermediate chamber.18. A control valve, comprising: a) a housing including first and secondinlet/outlet fittings and first and second fluid transfer fittings; b)said valve housing further defining a valve chamber in fluidcommunication with said fittings; c) a valve member having a stem and avalving portion, said valving portion being rotatably received withinsaid valve chamber; d) said valving portion including a circular baseand a disc member spaced above said circular base and connectedtherewith by a diametral wall; e) a portion of said disc member and aportion of said base together with said diametral wall defining a firstfluid flow path through said valve chamber when said valving portion isin predetermined positions within said valve chamber; f) said valvechamber including an opening communicating with a region of said valvechamber above said disc member; and, g) said disc member including anapertured portion for communicating said region of said valve chamberabove said disc member with a valving member region defined between saiddisc member and said base, such that said valving region, said discmember apertures, said valve chamber region above said disc member, andsaid valve chamber opening establish a second fluid flow path isolatedfrom said first flow path.
 19. The control valve of claim 18 whereinsaid valve chamber opening communicates with one of said fluid transferfittings.
 20. The control valve of claim 19 wherein said valve chamberopening communicates with said fluid transfer fitting via a transferchamber.
 21. The control valve of claim 20 wherein said valve chamber iscylindrical and is at least partially defined by a cylindrical wall anda circular end wall.
 22. The control valve of claim 21 wherein saidvalve chamber is enclosed by a cover member removably attached to saidvalve housing.
 23. The control valve of claim 22 wherein said circularend wall defines a bearing for receiving a shaft structure defined bysaid valve member and said cover rotatably supports said stem of saidvalve member.
 24. The control valve of claim 21 wherein said valvingportion carries at least one seal for sealingly engaging saidcylindrical wall of said valve chamber.
 25. The control valve of claim24 wherein said seal is overmolded onto said valving portion of saidvalve member.
 26. The control valve of claim 18 further including amovement control member positionable in one of two positions and a stopmember positionable in one of two positions whereby four flow controlconfigurations for said control valve are established.
 27. The apparatusof claim 26 wherein said movement control member is installed in saidcover and is coupled to said stem.
 28. The control valve of claim 27wherein said stop member is positionable in one of two apertures definedby said cover.